Hairdresser

Typical Salary

£14,000 To £30,000

Typical Hours

37 to 40 a week

evenings / weekends on a rota

How To Become a Hairdresser

You could get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You can take a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Hairdressing.

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:

Level 2 Hair professional
Level 3 Advanced and creative hair professional

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You may be able start work as a trainee hairdresser in a salon and learn on the job. Your employer would expect you to take qualifications part-time, either at a college or in their own training school.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

customer service skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to work well with others
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to work well with your hands
active listening skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

As a junior hairdresser, you'll:

welcome customers
shampoo and condition hair
cut simple styles
make sure towels and hair products are well stocked
keep the salon clean and tidy
make appointments

As a more senior hairdresser, you'll:

talk to clients about what they want
suggest style ideas
cut and style hair
colour, curl or straighten hair
give advice on minor hair and scalp problems
take payments
order stock and promote products to customers
keep up to date with new trends, techniques and hair products

Working Environment

You could work in a salon, at a client's home, at a health spa, at a store, at an adult care home or on a cruise ship.

Your working environment may be physically demanding.

Career Path & Progression

With experience you could become a senior stylist or salon manager. With further qualifications, you could also move into training or assessing student hairdressers.

You could become self-employed or open your own salon.

You may be able to use your skills as a hair professional in the theatre, film or television industry.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

You may be able to work freelance and rent space in a salon, though you may have to supply your own equipment.

With experience and an interest in business, you could move up to manage or own your own salon. If this is your aim, it may help to gain some business qualifications alongside hairdressing experience.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in hairdressing from the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority and National Hairdressers' Federation.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.